CHENNAI: Amid preparations for the festival of lights, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has placed all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and hospitals across the State on high alert and urged the public to observe utmost caution while celebrating Deepavali, particularly while handling fireworks.

In a detailed advisory issued to all District Health Officers (DHOs), the Directorate instructed officials to raise public awareness, ensure the readiness of emergency medical services, and take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries during the festive season.

The circular emphasized that burns and wounds are the most common injuries during Deepavali and called for strict adherence to safety norms. People have been advised to burst crackers only in open spaces,

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